Gavin Calver
1. How did you become a Christian?
When I was 17 my parents decided that the Lord was leading them to America and I stayed here and walked away from church. The morning after my 18th birthday party I sat desperate on a park bench in south London. I realised how much I needed a Saviour and fully surrendered my life to Jesus.
2. What lessons have you learnt since that you would want to pass on to a younger Christian version of yourself?
So much! Life is not to be lived half-heartedly – if God has called us, we can trust Him to equip us and give us everything that we need to follow Him. I think I would say to my younger self: ‘Don’t sweat the small things, don’t stay too long, don’t let loyalty trump obedience to Jesus and trust God for His timing – it’s always right.’
3. How would you describe your prayer life?
I love running and I’m an activist so my prayer life is most fruitful when I’m on the move. I unblock my ears, leave my phone behind and head out into creation to meet with my Maker. My prayer life is an all-day walk consisting of arrow prayers, blocks of seeking His face and is etched in thankfulness.
4. Which two or three Christian books apart from the Bible have most influenced your faith?
Definitely The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer – it’s a must-read for any follower of Jesus. Also I Believe in Preaching by John Scott and more recently Reappearing Church by Mark Sayers
5. Who or what have been your biggest Christian influences?
I have been influenced by many different people in different seasons. For example my parents’ radical following of Him has encouraged me to remain sold out for Jesus. Touring with Rob Parsons from Care for the Family massively impacted how I raise my children and remain as present as possible. Roy Crowne’s commitment in mentoring and empowering taught me to take risks on people.
6. What are the main challenges you believe Christians face today?
In the West we face the challenge of our culture: individualism, secularism and a lack of confidence in the gospel. We find ourselves in an increasingly lonely place in this Covid season and the hope is that we can shift to a bolder, more sacrificial loving, and Jesus-centred faith.
7. What encourages and what discourages you?
I’m encouraged by how Christians are praying, connecting with their neighbours and bringing social benefit to their communities.
I’m discouraged by how few people we are actually leading to Jesus and wonder what needs to happen to focus us more on the lost.
8. What makes you laugh?
My son Daniel… his one-liners have always made me chuckle.
9. What would you want to say to the wider evangelical world?
A united church is what will make a difference in these days. Let’s not get distracted by what the enemy wants to do to sow discord, but let’s unite over what we are believing for. Let’s gather and serve the Lord to see the Great Commission lived out. The harvest is plentiful!
10. Which Biblical person do you most look forward to meeting in glory and why?
Tough question. There are so many I could say. I reckon it would be incredible to meet the Apostle Paul and talk to him about how he preached the gospel, saw lives transformed and remained faithful in the midst of persecution.
